Library and Archives Canada digitizes another 12,000 WWI service files to website

Yesterday, Librarian and Archivist of Canada Guy Berthiuam tweeted, “87% of the way there.”

Few finer words have ever been heard by a genealogist.

Mr. Berthiaume was referring to Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) announcement that as of yesterday 555,443 of 640,000 Canadian Expeditionary Force service files are available online, and they have reached the surname, Swindells.

It looks like LAC will meet its goal of digitizing the entire service file collection in time for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War this November. If they maintain their pace, they could finish the project by the end of September.

This digitization project is probably the most exceptional gift LAC has given to Canadians. It is incredible to think that all WWI service files will be digitized and free to view around the world — soldiers could never have imagined when they signed their attestation papers.

LAC is working through the files alphabetically. They are available in LAC’s  Personnel Records of the First World War database.

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3 Responses to Library and Archives Canada digitizes another 12,000 WWI service files to website

  1. Alan BUCHNER says:

    i am looking for SERVICE records for Pvt Austin Bray Niles 5422942, CEF , RG 150 , Box 7335-5015 . Digitized Service File PDF format B73335-5015 . i have his attestation papers . do you know where i can get this file ?

  2. Karl Gerber says:

    My father Paul Gerber his dad Heinrich Gerber came to Canada in 1926 to Winnipeg
    From Czech Republic,My I need some information could you please help me.
    Calgary,Ab
    Yours truly
    Karl Gerber

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